Ravena is finally turning pro

Former UAAP stars Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng are taking their talents to the PBA after announcing yesterday their intentions to apply for the annual rookie draft set Oct. 29 at Robinsons Place Manila.

Ravena made his announcement through his Twitter account after months of uncertainties while representing the country in various tournaments while Teng formalized what he had already planned following his stint in the PBA D-League.

Both were expected to submit their applications through their agents Danny Espiritu, who handles Teng, and son Marvin, representing Ravena, before the deadline for homegrown players on Thursday.

Their entry has boosted this year’s class after Fil-German Christian Standhardinger, who represented Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup and Southeast Asian Games last August, filed his application last month during the deadline for Fil-foreign applicants.

Other notable names who are joining the draft are Raymar Jose and Jason Perkins while NCAA standouts Robert Bolick, Rey Nambatac and Sidney Onwubere are expected to throw their names in the draft.

Kia holds the top pick in the draft, with NLEX and Blackwater expected to choose second and third, respectively. The league has yet to release the official draft order.

The entry of Ravena, who won two UAAP championships and two Most Valuable Player awards, has been long overdue after skipping last year’s proceedings.

He had a stint as a developmental player for the NBA D-League’s Texas Legends, played two games for Alab Pilipinas in last season’s ASEAN Basketball League, winning his fourth Southeast Asian Games gold medal for Gilas Pilipinas before helping Chooks To Go Pilipinas finish a respectable fifth in the recent FIBA Asia Champions Cup.